4S vs 2S Dilemma

[ady]

Here we go again - A recent trip to a marina and the possibility of a deal has me looking at a new boat. Any sort of deal would mean a mercury motor. I had originally thought that my next boat would have a 4Stroke but would like some comments from you guys before jumping in. The choice would be a 90HP 4Stroke Mercury EFI or 90/115 Optimmax. The boat is a 17' Alum

I would appreciate if any of you guys have any info on these motors. My main use is for cruising to honey holes, but I also troll for Muskie. I hear the 4Strokes are prone to overheating if idled too long on a slow troll or is this just hearsay or single case.

[Mikey]

Easy choice...90 4 stroke....seeing as you like to troll....haven't heard of one around here overheating and there are a ton of them. Both are good motors....the 115 will be a bit more expensive on gas and a bit quicker, but if top end is not a concern.....the stroke would be my choice. Just my opinion here. Can't say how slow you can troll with the 90....you may want to find that out. , you may need a trolling plate.

[SkeeterJohn]

Would i be correct in saying that the 115 is the only motor that runs on fewer cylinders when under a certain number of rpms such as when trolling?

That could mean better fuel consumption... Also when trolling for muskie my guess is you'd be flying at 4-5+mph

I don't know anyone who's had overheating issues on a 4 stroke... i wouldn't idle for too long anyway otherwise you're just burning gas for no reason.

[Mikey]

Would i be correct in saying that the 115 is the only motor that runs on fewer cylinders when under a certain number of rpms such as when trolling?

That could mean better fuel consumption... Also when trolling for muskie my guess is you'd be flying at 4-5+mph

Never heard of that one John....didn't they make Cadillacs like that? 4-6- 8 or something like that?

[Lucannus]

I have a 75 HP Merc 4 Stroke on my Nitro and I love it!

Idle smooth! No gas fumes, Easy maintenance fall and spring..

Quiet.

3 years now.. no over heating.

Is great on GAS! and right now that is a great reason in its self.

Did have a recall on mine, but was completly covered and there are quite a few Merc certified shops in the region!

And if I ever felt like trolling, which I never do, you can with a 4 stroke.

My only complaint:

My hole shot with the 4 stroke is the pits. Hence the only reason why MT.Livewell beat me in a trial. ( Which we are due to repeat, so I can earn my honour back )

Hence I am upgrading to a 4 blade prop

[eye-tracker]

I hear the 4Strokes are prone to overheating if idled too long on a slow troll or is this just hearsay or single case.

I have never had an overheating problem trolling with my 75 4stroke. This year I have already covered 380 Miles trolling and not a problem...even in the heat we have had this summer.

The optimax with the digital SmartCraft gauge package would allow you to control the RPMs for trolling with the Troll Control and also manage fule usage and range. I have been in a boat with a 225 opti that trolled at 1.3mph thanks to the smart gauges. These gauges do come at a cost

http://www.mercurymarine.com/sc1000_sys ... peedometer

cheers'

-et

[ady]

Hence I am upgrading to a 4 blade prop

Thanks for the help guys, pretty much confirms my 4Stroke choice. Now what is this about a 4 blade prop, maybe this is something I can add at purchase?????

[steve-hamilton]

ET, how do u troll? i mean, do u use your main outboard, and troll down with a plate? or do u use a kicker?

you've talked about trolling down with spinners, which is usually less than 1.5, how do u get that slow?

[eye-tracker]

ET, how do u troll? i mean, do u use your main outboard, and troll down with a plate? or do u use a kicker?

you've talked about trolling down with spinners, which is usually less than 1.5, how do u get that slow?

Different sized Trolling Bags...or on real windy days when I am trolling down wind I will have two over the side.

Also I use an auto pilot bow mount for trolling under 1 mph on calm days on a two battery setup.

cheers

-et

[Mikey]

Hence I am upgrading to a 4 blade prop

Thanks for the help guys, pretty much confirms my 4Stroke choice. Now what is this about a 4 blade prop, maybe this is something I can add at purchase?????

First off ady....I would definately tell your dealer you want a stainless steel prop on that motor. it's worth the price difference ( maybe you can haggle a bit on the price versus the standard aluminum prop) There's a large difference in the performance in your size of motor and larger Seeing as 4 strokes are usually a bit slower than the same size 2 stroke, this will help close that gap. It will have very little or no impact on your trolling performance, but top end will show a difference. 4 blade props are more stable to run and generally provide good holeshot. 4 blades are a good choice for those experiencing significant chine walk or those who do a lot of tubing and water sports. The better hole shot helps pull skiers out of the water etc...Personally.. I would go with a 3 blade Tempest on that particular setup. It will help on the top end performance. But that's simply my personal preference....good luck with your new purchase. Hope this helps make your choice easier.

[Scumking]

Ady,

Be careful with the weight as well.Remember that if you're getting the maximum size motor for your boat the 90 hp 4 stroke will be 200 pds heavier.My buddy's legend had a max hp of 90 but that was based on a 2 stroke weight.The extra 200 pounds of his 4 stroke 90 began to crack the transom.

Ron

[Rex Mundi]

My opinion is 4 stroke all the way.

Take a look at the extended warrenty prices on a 4 stroke compared to a Optimax. When I bought mine (5 yrs. ago) the 4 stroke came with a 3 yr. standard warrenty with 2 yr. extended for $450. The Optimax came with only two year standard warrenty with the 3 yr extended costing about $3000.

Wehn you compare to your vehicle the 4 Stroke is like your standard truck motor and the Optimax is like a fine tunned Corvette motor.

When I did my research the Optimax is a highly tunned computerized engine that is chalked full of sensors to keep the engine running in a fine range. All of this technology is hard to keep running at peak performance and can be a big head ache when things start to go out of tune. Also the Optimax has to use its own Optimax oil for injection which was expensive as compared to other oils.

I think the Optimax is a great motor for those who require the performance in the tournament arena or just need that testostorone fix but if you do not need to set the world on fire to gett to your honey hole go with the 4 stroke. After all what is 5 minutes a day travelling to several holes as compared to 8 hours onthe water.

[M.T. Livewell]

My hole shot with the 4 stroke is the pits. Hence the only reason why MT.Livewell beat me in a trial. ( Which we are due to repeat, so I can earn my honour back )

Will you be joining us the Rumble in Rockland then? My head is getting fat and I need a dose of reality.

To further the point being made here, at the Spring pike/walleye tourney at baitcasters, I saw a guy in a 16' nitro (identical to Lucannus') running a 90 2 stroke on the back. He passed me like I was standing still.

Man those rigs run quick once they are dialed in.

M.T. Livewell

[Mikey]

WHOOHOO!!! Races at Rockland!!! This looks like an opportunity to regain your honor here Luc....MT has thrown the gauntlet...will "Lucky Luc" pick it up??? Will Jessica marry Phil??? Will MT still be alive after making the estrogen comment about the Misses and Snag??? Tune in for these answers and more at THE RUMBLE IN ROCKLAND.....